Laura Sullivan
Summary
Committed leader with extensive experience in Operations and Showroom management. Proven ability to streamline processes, enhance team performance, and achieve high operational scores. Recognized for fostering collaboration and driving results, earning respect across all levels.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Area Centralized Operations Manager
Ferguson
08.2024 - Current
- Lead team of 33 associates in managing Centralized Operational tasks for R04, including invoice preview reports, credit facilitation/approval, and WMS variance and reconciliation
- Streamlined our Credit Approval process, significantly reducing Open Credits and overall processing time
- Collaborated on R04 branch moves and acquisitions, ensuring seamless transitions and integration
- Consistently achieving the #2 Blended Region OER Score
- Recipient of the 2025 Operations Leadership Reward
Area Operations Manager I
Ferguson
08.2021 - 08.2024
- Sole focus on the District's Showroom business to help direct focus on their continued growth and development. 15 Showrooms with $145M in Sales FY22
- Built Showroom OPS team to drive KOB-specific initiatives and achieve strategic goals
- Enhanced appliance purchasing SOP amidst supply chain constraints to streamline operations
- Reengaged and reset Showroom digital tags in District, coaching on maintenance best practices
Operations Manager II
Ferguson
08.2019 - 07.2021
- Instrumental in rollout of Dispatch Track for Install and implementation with our Install Departments
- Advised on development of Showroom Appliance Purchasing position, resulting in positive impact on days in inventory/inventory dollars
- Identified Showroom label issues and took concerns up the chain, which drove process improvement
- Liaised with Signature Hardware team to resolve sku issues, facilitating creation of new codes and packing slips
- Collaborated with SPC/RPC/HQ to address lighting price discrepancies, driving resolution efforts
Operations Manager I
Ferguson
01.2018 - 07.2019
- Executed OwnIt training and Sales Center rollout for showrooms; briefly filled the role of Inside Sales Supervisor and coached/scored Showroom Inside Sales calls across the district
- Implemented a Showroom Clearance center in Indianapolis, IN (Branch 952) to help recoup lost sales on scratch and dent appliances
- Assisted with planning and executing branch relocations across the district.
Showroom Manager
Ferguson
02.2014 - 12.2017
- Increased sales at both branches 1546 and 2579 to consistently hit or surpass sales goals
- Spearheaded new processes for adding appliances to the product mix in Indianapolis.
- Learned the cabinet business and helped build our Cabinet Designers knowledge and confidence in other KOBs
- Assisted in warehousing/inventory processes for appliances and lighting at branches 8290/3396
Assistant Showroom Manager
Ferguson
11.2012 - 02.2014
- Streamlined showroom returns process, managing credits and RGA's efficiently
- Implemented SOP's on Showroom processes when none were available or applicable
- Contributed to the Showroom team during multiple record sales months.
- Facilitated managerial activities for showroom manager
Inside Sales- Showroom
Ferguson
10.2011 - 11.2012
- Assisted customer facing associates in growing their sales by providing them administrative support
- Communicated with diverse customer base as well as vendors/manufacturers to solve problems
- Provided comprehensive product knowledge and guidance to team members
Showroom Consultant
Ferguson
05.2009 - 10.2011
- Sales within the top 10 nationally for the company
- Sold to diverse customer base, including plumbers, builders, designers and homeowners
- Branch leader in communication of product, customer or procedural changes
- Worked with HQ/local contractors to take control of ordering material/designing our brand new destination showroom (1546)
Showroom Trainee
Ferguson
07.2006 - 05.2009
- Increased product knowledge through scheduled trainings and proactive learning
- Learned the Ferguson business as a whole by job shadowing/working in the warehouse (shipping, receiving), counter, credit, operations and showroom
- Proficient in Ferguson policies and knowledge/usage of resources
- HQ Training Program and Inside Sales Seminar completion
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Marketing
Miami University of Ohio
Oxford05-2006
Skills
- Change Management
- Leadership
- Long Term Planning
- Process Oriented
- Microsoft Excel
- Analytical Thinking
- Group Problem Solving
- Outstanding Organizational Abilities
- Detail-Oriented
- Customer Service
- Employee Engagement
- Workplace Communication
- Emotional Intelligence
- Professional Ethics
- Self-Sufficiency
Accomplishments
- 2025 Operations Leadership Award
Timeline
Area Centralized Operations Manager
Ferguson
08.2024 - Current
Area Operations Manager I
Ferguson
08.2021 - 08.2024
Operations Manager II
Ferguson
08.2019 - 07.2021
Operations Manager I
Ferguson
01.2018 - 07.2019
Showroom Manager
Ferguson
02.2014 - 12.2017
Assistant Showroom Manager
Ferguson
11.2012 - 02.2014
Inside Sales- Showroom
Ferguson
10.2011 - 11.2012
Showroom Consultant
Ferguson
05.2009 - 10.2011
Showroom Trainee
Ferguson
07.2006 - 05.2009
Bachelor's Degree - Marketing
Miami University of Ohio